Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

Well it used to happen. I remember when I was in my early teens I was asked to escort a Siamese cat across the Atlantic for some friends. Can't remember why the scenario arose now, but the cat went in its carrier alongside me. It did yowl a bit at first, but soon settled down.

Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

I would much rather sit next to a well behaved dog than some of the whining, noisy, out of control little brats that travel these days.

Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

I haven't flown for many years but if I were to for some reason Callie would be fine sitting beside me. Rather he would probably curl on the seat and sleep the whole time. I wouldn't worry about piddle pads, the average big dog can hold it for several hours. I would be afraid to have any animal in the cargo hold.

Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

Some little ones can't hold it so long, not even through the night if they are really tiny.

Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

I would be happy to have my little dog with me on a plane, she is better behaved than most kids for one thing and I am presuming they mean smaller breeds and cats that can be crated. German, Belgium and other European country airlines have had this system for a long time, many people here fly back and forth with their pets with them. When we moved to Kenya my two Pomeranians had to travel in the hold, that worried me because they are not checked on at all during the flight, likewise when we moved from there to Spain they had to travel in the hold. According to British Airways only puppies can travel together in the same crate, all adult dogs must be in separate crates and British Airways do not have a good reputation transporting pets. Mine were booked from Kenya with British Airways but they gave me so much hassle and stress we cancelled and they came to Spain with Lufthansa. Mombasa to Nairobi, Nairobi to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Barcelona and Barcelona to Alicante, a long journey for two little dogs. However they were in excellent condition when they arrived, they had been groomed and cared for and the man from Lufthansa telephoned us to check they had arrived safely and were in good condition.
I would not travel so far with pets again but then I don´t intend going to live such a long way away any more, I guess if I did then I would have to do the same because no way would I leave my pet behind. So yes I see no problem with small pets being on a plane with people, in my opinion it is preferable to screaming kids and kids jumping up and down, and certainly preferable to the horrendous journey I had squashed in my seat next to an enormous woman who quite frankly needed 3 seats to herself and some damned good deodorant.

Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

I agree with you Cass. In fact I've just been reading a lengthy article about a beautiful golden Retriever that died because he was stuck in a crate which was so small he couldn't even turn round. Then some half witted idiot put his water bowl behind him and of course he couldn't turn to reach it. That poor dog got himself in such a state he got a stomach torsion and died in agony.
I would never, ever let my dogs be put in with cargo.

Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

I've no objection to dogs being on planes provided they're not flying it of course. Or off course.

Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

Bugger this for a game of soldiers.

Keep your damn dogs away from me and anyone else that dislikes them if you don't mind.

I should think such a decision will put off many customers but then again they will probably gain far more custom by making their services for just doggie lovers.

Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

No, not a good idea, so many dog owners think their dogs can do no wrong - I can imagine a few arguments and in mid air? No thanks...

Re: Dogs and Ryanaire

I do agree with that statement in a way cranberry. Some owners and their dogs are a pain in the backside, and could make your journey a nightmare.
But, as I have already said, I would never allow mine to be stuck in the hold, and that is also why I would plan holidays in this country, where they would come with me.
Having said that, I would not object to a small well behaved dog being on a plane with me, but I would not be happy seated with one of dodgy temperament, or being travel sick (or worse), all over me!

There are literally thousands of lovely holiday cottages etc, where pets are welcome nowadays, so that would be my personal choice. They love a change of scene and new smells and adventures just as much as we do, and I would not be selfish enough to stick 'em in kennels, a life they are not used to, just so that I could clear off and enjoy myself. My dogs are MY responsibility, and I don't just dump 'em when it suits.